Fri 28.Apr.22: Following the recent meetings, the Synod feedback report from the Parish is now available.
An Introduction to the Synod 2021 to 2023 through sketches and images
Have questions regarding the Synod on Synodality? Rahai attempts to answer these questions through simple sketches presented to you in a short and fun way. Here's all you need to know - right from what does synodality mean to what can you do.
Introduction by Canon Liam Belton, P.P., Moderator
The following videos are on YouTube:
Sometimes, the last come in first (Luke 13: 22-30)
Things don't always turn out as we expect. That's one of the surprises of the Gospel that Fr. Vincent shares with us today.
How Many Will Be Saved? - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, I am admittedly a bit reluctant to talk about the topic of our Gospel for today—namely, this famously controversial matter of how many will be saved. I have talked a lot and written a lot about this issue, and people have very strong opinions about it: everybody will be saved, only a handful will be saved, and everything in between. There is a lot of energy around this question. In this homily, I would like to get at the question in a new and fresh way by looking at Jesus’ answer in the Gospel.
No Rose Garden (Luke 12: 49-53)
The Christian is called to carry the cross every day. Fr Vincent reminds us that this is something we should not fear.
Let Christ Light a Fire in You - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermons
Friends, the readings for this weekend are tough. Here is the principle behind them, one that is simple to state, but difficult to take in: in a world gone wrong,those who come to us speaking and embodying the truth are going to be opposed. In our first reading from Jeremiah and in Jesus’ harsh, challenging message in the Gospel, we encounter the disruptive, burning, cleansing quality of authentic religion.
Welcome in, each new Day (Luke 12: 13-21)
Time can go by very quickly. Fr. Vincent offers us some ideas about how to make the most of each day.
You Can’t Take It With You - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, all three of our readings Sunday speak of a primordial spiritual truth—namely, the need to detach oneself from the goods of the world. This has nothing to do with a hatred of the world or a puritanical spirituality of flight from the world; rather, it has to do with knowing how to wear the goods of the world lightly. These goods—wonderful as they are—all finally crumble, evanesce, and disappear; they are not our ultimate good, and we are not meant to cling to them as though they were.
Ask and you shall receive (Lk 11:1-13)
This week, Fr Vincent tells us there is no such thing as an unanswered prayer when we are willing to wait and listen.
What Is the Lord's Prayer About? - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, our Gospel for today is St. Luke’s version of the Lord’s Prayer, the Our Father. This prayer, which is probably recited millions of times a day all over the world, includes some of the best-known words on the planet. But what do they mean? It might be good for us to walk slowly through Luke’s version to see what this great prayer is about—and what we are asking for when we pray it.
Seeing with the Heart (Lk 10, 25-37)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and today Fr Vincent suggests that our heart is our keenest eye.
Christ Can Heal Us - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, the Gospel for this Sunday is one of Jesus' best-known parables: the story of the Good Samaritan. Karl Barth, who learned it from the Church Fathers, taught that every parable of Jesus, at the deeper level, is finally about Jesus himself. The parable of the Good Samaritan is a good example of this principle; it is fundamentally about Christ healing fallen humanity.
Somethings we can do things pretty well by ourselves, but Fr Vincent reminds us that bringing the Good News to the world requires teamwork.
How Will You Evangelise Today? - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, as we continue our reading of the Gospel of Luke, we have today a great portrait of the Church—what the Church looks like, what its central concerns are, and what the demands upon it are. The setting is Jesus sending out seventy-two disciples. Put yourself in that position: all of us baptised people are disciples of the Lord, and we're in a relationship with him. He is sending us out on a mission.
Revenge and Mercy (Luke 9: 51-62)
Fr Vincent is back with us again and today he continues his reflections on the Sunday Gospel
Following Jesus Comes First - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, I’m going to be blunt with you: today's Gospel is really challenging. It cuts right to the heart of the ethical implications of the Gospel. There's something of a "be all, end all" quality about Jesus, something of an either/or. As he says, "Whoever is not with me is against me". What follows from this is what I call the principle of detachment and clarification of motives. If Jesus is unambiguously the center of your life, then everything else has to find its place in relation to him. If the good things of the world become more important than following him, then something has gone off-kilter.
What is the Trinity? - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, Trinity Sunday has been called "the preacher's nightmare". But while the Trinity remains a supreme mystery, Thomas Aquinas used a basic principle that helps us to get at it: beings, at all levels, tend to make images of themselves. The higher you go in the hierarchy of being, the more interior and the more perfect this principle becomes.
Seek the Mark of the Spirit - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, Happy Pentecost Sunday! On this great celebration of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, meditating upon the number three will tell us a lot of what we need to know about the Spirit, whose distinctive mark is not oppressive unity, nor conflictual diversity, but unity in diversity.
On fire on the Inside (Lk 24: 46-53)
In the last programme of this current series, Fr Vincent tells us what Ascension Day can mean for us.
Come, Lord Jesus! - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, on this Seventh Sunday of Easter, the Church gives us the privilege of hearing the very last words of the Bible. If you're reading poetry, a novel, or even a great work of history, the last words are of tremendous importance. We hear today a kind of coda or denouement after the great climax of the biblical story, and it gives us a clue as to the identity of the Church.
The Heavenly City - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, in many ways, the second reading for this Sunday is the climax of the entire biblical revelation. We find a detailed description of the heavenly Jerusalem, the holy city, coming down out of heaven to earth. There is no temple in this city because the whole city has become a temple. What began in the book of Genesis now comes to its fulfillment: the marriage of heaven and earth—the beautiful, integrated place of right praise.
What would they call me? (John 14, 23-29)
In times of conflict, or even war, there are many things needed. Fr Vincent suggest what might be the most important one of all.
The Great Army of the Martyrs - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, during this Easter season we're reading from the book of Revelation, that marvellous, final book of the Bible. In today's reading, John sees mystically, across space and time, across the Christian centuries, all those people from all over the world who would give their lives for Christ.
A good Word (John 10, 27-30)
Fr Vincent reminds us that sometimes it's not too hard at all to be a good shepherd. Sometimes all that is needed is a good word.
The Unveiling of a New World - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, Revelation comes from the Latin "Revelatio", which in turn translates to the Greek "Apokalypsis" - which means, literally, "unveiling". This final book of the Bible, which has fascinated Christians and non-Christians for two thousand years, is not primarily about the end of the physical world; rather, it is meant to unveil something that every generation of Christians needs to see-namely, a new world that God wants to be born out of the ruins of the old.
Master Has Need of It - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
In the Palm Sunday Gospel reading proclaimed before the procession, the Lord instructs two of his disciples to go into the village and untether a donkey. If there is any protest, they are to say, "The Master has need of it." This is true of every baptized person: the Master has need of your gifts, of you, of the whole of your life. Once we understand this principle, everything is revolutionised - and we are liberated to be of service to Christ and his people.
What do I do with this Stone? (John 8: 1-11)
As Lent draws to a close Fr Vincent offers two messages from this Sunday's Gospel.
Refuse Scapegoating Violence - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, this Sunday, we hear the story of the woman caught in adultery from the eighth chapter of John. René Girard thought that this story was particularly clear in showing the dynamics of what he called the scapegoating mechanism. And in the response of Jesus to the violence of the mob, we see the glory of God, who does not sanction this scapegoating frenzy, but rather meets the misery of our sin with his mercy.
Does this Door Open
Fr Vincent's Gospel reflection for the 4th Sunday of Lent.
Everything He Has Is Yours - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, our Gospel reading for this Fourth Sunday of Lent is one of the greatest stories ever told: the parable of the prodigal son. In a way, this parable about giving and receiving gifts tells us everything we need to know about our relationship to God.
Who Is God? - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, on this Third Sunday of Lent, we have the privilege of reading one of the most important texts in the Bible: God addressing Moses from the burning bush. In this passage, the true God manifests his own identity: he is closer to you than you are to yourself, yet higher than anything you can possibly imagine. And he gives himself a name: “I Am Who I Am”-not a being among beings, but Being itself.
A Second Chance (Lk 13: 1-9)
Fr Vincent begins Spring with this appropriate Gospel message about a clueless tree and a persistent gardener.
Three Levels of Temptation
Friends, we come now to the great and holy season of Lent, a time to get back to spiritual basics. This First Sunday of Lent, we hear Luke's account of the temptation of Jesus. What Jesus faces in the desert are three classical substitutes for God.
Beware of Wooden Horses!
As Lent begins it's always good to make sure we're not like the people of Troy. (Luke 4: 1-13)
Dealing with the Enemy (Lk 6: 17, 27-38)
The Gospel is full of challenges. Today, Fr Vincent talks to us about one of the more difficult ones
Give as God Gives - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, whenever we give or receive a gift, we're always caught in a difficult rhythm of exchange and mutual obligation. The great exception to this rule is God, who is utterly gratuitous in his giving.
The Happiness Challenge (Lk 6: 17-26)
Fr Vincent talks to us about the keys to happiness found in the Beatitudes.
Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon To What Does Your Heart Belong
Friends, when our heart belongs to anything in this world, we live in an empty and lifeless spiritual space. But when our heart belongs to the Lord, the rest of our life falls into right order around that centre.
My very best
Fr Vincent talk this week about one of the challenges all Christians face
We have a Mission (Lk 3:15-16.21-22)
As we begin the new liturgical year Fr Vincent talks about the mission we receive in the sacrament of baptism.
Priests, Prophets, and Kings - Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermon
Friends, when we are baptised, we are grafted on to Christ, who has anointed us all as priests, prophets, and kings. Let's live out that identity.
Is Science Opposed to Faith? - Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermon.
Friends, the supposed warfare between religion and science is assumed by a lot of young people who disaffiliate from the Church today. But the Magi followed both science and religion, and on the basis of their calculations, journeyed to present Christ with gifts.
"Getting ready for Christmas" (Luke 3,10-18)
This week Fr Vincent gives us a few more ideas about how we can get ready for the birth of Our Lord.
Teach us to Pray Episode 4 Glenstal Abbey
What does it mean to pray continuously? Abbot Brendan talks about making our lives into a prayerful, frequent and deep connection with God.
Have You Found Joy? - Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermon
Friends, on this Gaudete Sunday, we are called to rejoice! Detach yourself from the anxieties of the world and live in the peace and joy of Christ.
"The Way to Christmas" (Lk 3, 1-7)
This is a great time of the year but how do we actually get to experience the true joys of Christmas? Today, the second Sunday of Advent, Fr Vincent gives us some help.
Arts and Faith 2nd Sunday of Advent
Mattia Preti's St. John the Baptist Preaching shows John in the wilderness, sharing his message with a small crowd of captivated followers.
Teach Us to Pray Episode 3 Glenstal Abbey
Father Fintan talks in this podcast about our 'inherited instinct' for prayer, recognising how all creation is capable of praising God.
Second Sunday of Advent
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Luke quotes from the prophet Isaiah:
"Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." (Isa. 40:3)
Advent is a great liturgical season of waiting-but not a passive waiting. We yearn, we search, and we reach out for the God who will come to us in human flesh. In short, we prepare the way of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Arts and Faith: First Sunday of Advent
Start the season of Advent with a visual prayer experience inspired by Wassily Kandinsky’s "Last Judgment".
Children's Advent calendar
Advent is the four weeks before Christmas. It is a time of joyful preparation for the celebration of Jesus' birth as our Saviour.
First Sunday of Advent
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples to be vigilant. Today marks the beginning of Advent, the great liturgical season of vigilance, of waiting and watching.
"The King's Plan" (John 18: 33-37)
As we celebrate the feast of Christ the King this Sunday Fr. Vincent offers us a reflection on the Gospel passage.
Is Jesus the King of Your Life? - Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermon
Friends, this Feast of Christ the King encapsulates what the Christian life is all about. All the other celebrations of the year are leading us to this conclusion, and on this last Sunday of the liturgical year, we are asked the question: Is Christ the King of your life?
Lord teach us to pray
Glenstal Abbey- Episode 2
Trust in the Lord - Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermon
Friends, a connection with God leads to life and flourishing. When we sever that connection, we experience a drought similar to the one in our first reading today. The Lord responds to our needs, so trust in his providence, and he will not abandon you
No God but the Lord Alone - Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermon
Friends, God is not satisfied to be in the background of your life. The Lord your God is the Lord alone, so love him with everything you've got-your whole heart, your whole soul, and all your strength.
The Heart within the heart (Mk 12, 28-34)
This week Fr. Vincent talks about some Trappist monks who show us how to love God and others.
What is Prayer?
Father Christopher begins our podcast series by considering how is prayer is a raising of the mind and heart to God.
A little Secret (Mark 10, 35-45)
In this week's Gospel reflection, Fr Vincent lets us into to one of the Lord's secrets.
Excess Baggage (Mk 10, 17-30)
Sometimes we can find ourselves going through life with things we don't really need. Fr Vincent addresses this topic today.
The Art of Giving (Mark 10, 2-16)
This week Fr Vincent recalls a story from the American author, O. Henry, and talks about what goes into a happy marriage.
How to Fall in Love - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, our readings this weekend have to do with biblical anthropology - or who we are in the presence of God - and the Christian understanding of marriage.
A basic intuition of the Bible is that we begin not with the individual, but with community.
And marriage is the most beautiful and intense form of this friendship God desires for us.
The Good Listener (Mk 7, 31-37)
Most of us have the ability to hear. This week Fr Vincent reminds us that one thing is being able to hear another being able to listen.
Have You Stopped Listening To Jesus?
Friends, in today's Gospel, Jesus travels outside of Israel and heals a man of his deafness. Today, we live in a realm of spiritual deafness. We are bombarded with voices from outside, echoing around us until we are as incapable of hearing as the man from our Gospel. Like him, look to Jesus to heal you so that you might hear the word of God and understand his truth, rather than the lies of the world which surround us.
Time to burn the Boats (John 6, 61-70)
This week Father Vincent tells us about a man who made a radical decision in his life and encourages us to follow his example
Time to Test Your Faith - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, today's Gospel concludes John’s reflection on the Eucharist. At the end of this remarkable chapter, we are faced with a question that defines the Christian faith: Will you follow Christ? May we always answer as Peter does.
Brave Little Girl (John 6, 41-52)
The story of a courageous little girl helps us to understand, appreciate and be thankful for the wonderful gift of the Eucharist.
Finding Lasting Happiness - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Friends, the ensemble of this world that God has made is good, and we're meant to enjoy it; however, we hunger for something that transcends this world. Christ is the only good that can satisfy us.
The Soldier (John 6, 24-35)
Fr Vincent recalls an episode from his past that goes to show how powerful good example can be.
What you need to know about the Catholic Mass
Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon
Where did I leave my Coat? (Mk 6, 30-34)
The story of a pauper, a Roman soldier and a cloak leads us this week to a core Gospel value.
Mindful Monk Sr 4, Ep 9: 'Amen'
There are times, such as the times we are in, when we are stretched to the limit and all we can muster is 'Amen' to life. Yes to God. I will go on. Yes.
The King's Messenger (Mk 6, 7-13)
This week Fr Vincent reminds us that, just as in times gone by, today too Jesus has the need for men, women and children to be His messengers and bring the Good News to the hearts of those around us.
Mindful Monk Sr 4, Ep 8: A Swarm of Bees
What is a swarm of bees? Here I explain what a swarm is and show how I caught a swarm high up in the trees.
Sadness (Mk 5, 21-43)
We all go through some sad times in our lives. This week Fr Vincent offers us a tip to overcome these moments.
"The Friend in the Boat" (Mk 4, 35-41)
True friendship is a keystone Gospel value.
Fr Vincent reminds us this week of the value of friendship especially in stormy times.
Mindful Monk Sr 4, Ep 5:
'Mother Maura's Favourite Psalm'
Mother Maura, Abbess of Kylemore Abbey, tells me about her favourite psalm. Enjoy the warm glow in her face - the face of a life well lived.
The Pivotal Players - St. Ignatius of Loyola
During these celebratory months, Word on Fire is offering this video for free streaming.
This episode of the Pivotal Players series covers Ignatius’ journey from a courageous and celebrated warrior to a passionate servant of Christ.
He effected this influence through the establishment of the Jesuit order and through his masterpiece, "The Spiritual Exercises."
Mindful Monk Sr 4, Ep 3: Dr Tony Bates and the Swinging Door
Dr Tony Bates gives me his thoughts on spirituality and his interaction with nature, particularly his garden.
Fr Vincent McMahon: The Mustard Seed (Mark 4, 26-34)
In a welcome fresh, albeit unusual, take on the parable of the Mustard Seed, this week Fr Vincent tells us how we can all be a Michelangelo in the lives of those around us.
The final presentation in The Ignatian Way series explores the concept of being "Men and Women for Others."
The series is based on materials written by Brian Grogan, SJ, of the Irish Jesuits.
Decision Making
St. Ignatius Loyola has a lot to say about decision making. Learn about Ignatian principles for making good decisions.
This video is part of The Ignatian Way series, based on materials written by Brian Grogan, SJ, of the Irish Jesuits.
The Ignatian Way # 6: What Is Discernment?
St. Ignatius's great discovery was that discernment involves paying attention to our feelings. Learn more about Ignatian discernment.
This video is part of The Ignatian Way series, based on materials written by Brian Grogan, SJ, of the Irish Jesuits.
Simon Sleeman OSB - Sr 4, Ep 1: The Divine Artist
The Holy Spirit is the 'Divine Artist' sent to teach us what we need to know and what we need to do. The Holy Spirit has been much neglected, I presume because no institution wants to have someone other than themselves directing people and teaching them. An unpredictable Holy Spirit is a bit hot to handle!
The Ignatian Way #5: The Examen
The fifth presentation in The Ignatian Way series explains the daily Examen, which is at the core of Ignatian prayer.
The series is based on materials written by Brian Grogan, SJ, of the Irish Jesuits.
Hello and Goodbye (Ascension 2021)
Six years ago, Pope Francis reminded us of the importance of simple words like 'Thank you', 'Please' and 'Sorry'. This Sunday, Feast of the Ascension, Fr Vincent talks to us of two more.
The Ignatian Way #4: The Spiritual Exercises
The fourth presentation in The Ignatian Way series gives an overview of the Spiritual Exercises. The series is based on materials written by Brian Grogan, SJ, of the Irish Jesuits.
Ignatian Way #3: Finding God in All Things
The third presentation in The Ignatian Way series explores the idea of finding God in all things.
The series is based on materials written by Brian Grogan, SJ, of the Irish Jesuits.
Friends (John 15: 9-17)
This week Fr Vincent reminds us about the Lord's commandment of love and gives us some examples of what true friendship is all about.
"Offer it Up"
Fr James Brent, O.P., explains the meaning behind the expression "offer it up" how sacrifice redeems the world.
Ignatian Spirituality: An Overview
The second presentation in The Ignatian Way series gives an overview of Ignatian spirituality.
The series is based on materials written by Brian Grogan, SJ, of the Irish Jesuits.
Always Welcome (5th Sunday of Easter)
This week Fr Vincent leads us from a tale of Oscar Wilde to the deep roots that bind Christians to their Lord and reminds us that we are always welcome guests at His table (John 15: 1-8)
The Ignatian Way #1: What Is Ignatian Prayer?
The first presentation in The Ignatian Way series considers the question, "What is Ignatian prayer?"
The series is based on materials written by Brian Grogan, SJ, of the Irish Jesuits.
Mindful Monk Sr 3, Ep 16: Empty Cupboards
Have we left our selves empty - our cupboards empty of self and of God?
Psalm two has some interesting to say to us at this time.
The Story of the Advent Wreath
Suitable for children preparing for First Holy Communion
Your comments and suggestions are most welcome - please contact the parish office by e-mail: ballinteeroffice@gmail.com or by phone: +353 1 499 4203
